Seniors stay active and connected at Senior Games

Byline: Shayln Proctor/Reporter

OKMULGEE, Okla- The 2023 Annual Senior Games, sponsored by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Elders Service and the Diabetes Program was held at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Omniplex Dome on May 19.

Youth Services volunteered to help for these events that catered specifically to citizens 55 or older.

These events gave them the opportunity to place first, second and third place. It was separated into two different age groups between 55-65 years old and 65 on up.

Citizens enjoyed competing in bean bag toss, thin pin bowling, jacks, paper airplane flying contest and free throw contest before having lunch together

This event was a little different then last year due to inclement weather that occurred, instead of having it outside the omniplex it became an inside event.

The Muscogee Creek Nation Elder Service Director, Angella Fish said “we recognize our elders throughout our nations as a way to honor them and to pay our respects to them”.

“It’s just a way of allowing them to further and help them approve their range of emotions or other forms of activities to keep them active,” Fish said. “The competitive edge keeps them active and more inclined for them to want to do more.”

Fish thinks the events foster support for the participants.

“They are also supportive of each other. As you see them accomplish their free throw and they make the baskets, you hear them also applauding one another.”

Citizens near and far come to enjoy this time together. “There are some individuals that come in from different areas within the state.” Fish said. “It’s not just only for the citizens that reside within the Muscogee jurisdiction but also other communities throughout the state and possibly out of state.”

Every year this event occurs Fish claims there is always great feedback from the community. It makes them want to come back next year.

The elders enjoyed being around people around their age and getting to see some familiar faces or meeting new people.

Organizers make sure language is incorporated into activities.

“We do value our elders and we want to ensure that they are treated with the utmost respect,” Fish said. “We look up to them for leadership and guidance because they are the keepers of our culture.”

“We want to acknowledge their presence throughout our nation and to know that.”

For more information about the department and it’s services contact Christy Boone at (918)-732-7765 or ccarson@mcn-nsn.gov

Results of the Senior games of 2023

𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 | 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝟱𝟱-𝟲𝟱

JACKS

1st: Kathryn Corley

2nd: Joann Fox

3rd: Bonnie Factor

FREE THROW

1st: Penny Harjo

2nd: Sharon Whitehead

3rd: Yevette Powell

BEAN BAG TOSS

1st: Frances Lewis

2nd: Lisa Floyd

3rd: Arlene Burrell

THIN PIN BOWLING

1st: Bonnie Factor

2nd: Yevette Powell

3rd: Katherine Corley

𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 | 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝟲𝟲 – 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿

JACKS

1st: Carol Tiger

2nd: Pat Factor

3rd: Nellie Hallum

FREE THROW

1st: Barbara O’Neal

2nd: Pat Factor

3rd: Teresa Jennings

BEAN BAG TOSS

1st: Nancy Barnett

2nd: Janice Bryan

3rd: Louise Sapulpa

THIN PIN BOWLING

1st: Malline Jackson

2nd: Lillian Thomas

3rd: Emma Lowe

𝗠𝗲𝗻’𝘀 | 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝟱𝟱-𝟲𝟱

JACKS

1st: Soloman Hill

2nd: Mitchell Barnett

3rd: George Dunn

FREE THROW

1st: Soloman Hill

2nd: Mitchell Barnett

3rd: Mark Wataske

BEAN BAG TOSS

1st: Phillip Harjo

2nd: Soloman Hill

3rd: Chris Powell

THIN PIN BOWLING

1st: Phillip Harjo

2nd: Mitchell Barnett

3rd: Soloman Hill

𝗠𝗲𝗻’𝘀 | 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝟲𝟲 – 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿

JACKS

1st: Lyle Wells

2nd: Larry Carlis

3rd: Terry Walker

FREE THROW

1st: Richard Isham

2nd: Charles Proctor

3rd: Michael Coon

BEAN BAG TOSS

1st: Leon Yahola

2nd: Charles Proctor

3rd: Richard Isham

THIN PIN BOWLING

1st: Robert Wildcat

2nd: Larry Carlis

3rd: Bill West